Plenty to blame for Chelsea malaise, but none more than sulking Antonio Conte

It is just as well that Chelsea’s benefactor, Roman Abramovich, is so respected by the club’s grateful, loyal support because Chelsea have inflicted a level of misery on fans this year that would cause a backlash against owners elsewhere.

Few outside The Shed or the Matthew Harding Upper and Lower will rush to remove violins from cases and pluck strings in sympathy for Chelsea supporters, who have largely been treated royally during the Abramovich era and head to Wembley for the FA Cup final on Saturday. But they have been spectacularly let down by board, management and squad this year, and fans across the country will privately recognise some of the collective and corporate failings.